Cinema at The Bay – The Bay Park

Enjoy free outdoor movies under the stars at The Bay Park. Kick off the summer season with an outdoor movie experience under the stars at The Bay Park’s scenic Civic Green. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and loved ones for a free community movie night featuring a family-friendly film perfect for all ages. Enjoy food trucks, popcorn, and refreshments available for purchase starting at 6:30 PM, with the film beginning at sunset (around 7:30 PM). This open-air cinema event marks the beginning of The Bay’s Summer Movie Night Series, continuing on select Fridays throughout the season.

Cinema at The Bay: Generally held on select Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Family Movie Nights: Often scheduled on the last Friday of the month, starting at 8:00 PM during summer months.

Upcoming Screenings:

Family Movie Night: Free Solo
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: The Bay Park

Family Movie Night: The Lorax
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Location: The Oval at The Bay Park

Event Title: Summer Movie Night at The Bay – Kickoff
Date: Friday, May 31, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: The Bay Park – Civic Green, 655 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

Admission: Free
What to Bring: Lawn chairs or blanket, bug spray, reusable water bottles (no glass containers)

Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival

This festival features live Irish music, traditional dancing, cultural exhibits, and the popular Lucky Dog Parade, where attendees and their pets showcase creative costumes.

Greenbrook Adventure Park, Lakewood Ranch, FL

Venice Holiday Parade

Downtown Venice lights up with floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer during this beloved parade.

Sarasota Medieval Fair

Step back in time and experience the magic of the Middle Ages at the Sarasota Medieval Fair, one of Florida’s most immersive and beloved annual festivals. This outdoor event brings history to life with thrilling jousting tournaments, live armored combat, themed entertainment, and a bustling marketplace filled with artisans, blacksmiths, glass blowers, and unique handmade goods.

Explore a recreated medieval village where acrobats, minstrels, fire-eaters, and jugglers roam the grounds, and guests of all ages can enjoy period games, food, and educational exhibits. Costumes are welcome and encouraged!

📍 Location:
Woods of Mallaranny (formerly held at the Sarasota Fairgrounds)
29847 FL-70 E, Myakka City, FL 34251
Note: This new wooded site offers a more immersive experience and is just east of Lakewood Ranch.

📅 Dates for 2025:
The fair takes place over three themed weekends in November 2025:

Weekend 1: November 1–2
Weekend 2: November 8–9
Weekend 3: November 15–16
(Each weekend features different themes and unique acts!)

⏰ Hours:

10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (rain or shine)

🎟️ Tickets:

Available online and at the gate
Discounts available for children, seniors, and military
Children under 5 enter free

Lakewood Ranch National Night Out

Join neighbors, local law enforcement, and community organizations for Lakewood Ranch’s annual National Night Out, an evening dedicated to building stronger neighborhood connections and promoting public safety. This free, family-friendly event features live music, interactive exhibits, giveaways, and activities for kids—including face painting, inflatables, and meet-and-greets with first responders. Enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and a chance to learn more about safety initiatives in the community. It’s a fun and meaningful way to foster partnerships and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Lakewood Ranch.

Venice Fall Book Fair

Book lovers unite at the Venice Fall Book Fair, a seasonal celebration of literature featuring local and regional authors, independent publishers, and book-related vendors. Stroll through charming downtown Venice to discover a wide variety of genres, from fiction and memoir to children’s books and history. Meet authors, attend signings, and learn about the creative process through panel discussions and author talks. Perfect for readers of all ages, the event also includes activities for kids and plenty of opportunities to support local literary talent. Whether you’re an avid reader or just browsing, this event offers inspiration on every page.

Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove

Celebrate the fall season at the beloved Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove, a Sarasota family tradition for over 35 years! This festive event takes place every Saturday and Sunday in October, including Halloween weekend.

🗓 Dates:
October 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26 and November 1–2, 2025

🕘 Time:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Rain or shine)

📍 Location:
Fruitville Grove Farm
7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34240

Highlights Include:

🎃 Free Admission & Parking
🐐 Petting Zoo & Farm Animals
🐎 Pony & Horseback Rides
🍎 Fall Food Vendors & Homemade Treats
🛍 Artisan Crafts & Local Vendors
👻 Costume Contests (select dates)
🏆 Pumpkin Decorating & Pie-Eating Contests
🎠 Kids Fun Zone with Bounce Houses & Activities
🚜 Hay Rides through the Grove
🎭 Live Entertainment & Music

Parking & Tips:
Admission is free, and parking is available on-site. Bring cash for many vendors, as some may not accept cards. Weekends get busy, so earlier arrival is recommended for the best experience.

🎃 Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove – 2025

Sarasota Back-to-School Bash

Get ready for the new school year with fun and purpose at the Sarasota Back-to-School Bash, a family-focused event offering free backpacks, school supplies, health resources, and entertainment for kids of all ages. Hosted by community partners and local organizations, this annual event is designed to support families while celebrating the start of a new academic year. Enjoy bounce houses, face painting, games, music, and food vendors while connecting with educational services and local nonprofits. It’s a one-stop event for school readiness and a great way to kick off the year with excitement and community spirit.

First Friday Venice: July Celebration

Downtown Venice kicks off July with its monthly First Friday celebration featuring extended shopping hours, live music, and refreshments at participating merchants.

Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade

🎉 Celebrate Independence Day in classic patriotic style at the annual Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade! This family-friendly event brings the community together to honor America’s birthday with marching bands, festive floats, community groups, dancers, vintage cars, and more. The parade marches down Main Street from Orange Avenue to Bayfront Drive, ending near Island Park and Marina Jack.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets and grab a spot early along the route—especially near the bayfront for the best views. The atmosphere is festive, with many nearby restaurants offering sidewalk seating and specials.

Immediately following the parade, many head to Bayfront Park to catch the Sarasota Bay Fireworks Spectacular, which launches around 9:45 PM.

🇺🇸 Tip: Parking fills up quickly downtown, so consider arriving early or using rideshare options.

Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade
📍 Location: Main Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL
📅 Date: Thursday, July 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM